Mae’s First Day of School

It’s Mae’s first day of school, but she doesn’t want to go, despite all her mother’s excitement about class pets, big libraries and long playtimes. Instead, Mae worries: what if the other kids don’t like her, what if she doesn’t understand what to do, and what if she misses her mother?

Rather than follow the rest of the children inside when it’s time to start the day, Mae climbs a tree and refuses to come down. She’s soon joined by Rosie, who has similar worries, and a tall lady called Ms Pearl. Ms Pearl is worried that her pupils might not like her – and what if she spells Tuesday wrong when she writes it on the board? Maybe they should all live in the tree instead.

This charming, stylish picture book acknowledges the anxiety that children might have about starting school, but reassures them that they’re not the only one with such worries. In fact, some of the adults might be just as nervous! Berube’s artwork is fun and full of expression – a great book to share with children just starting Reception.